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Easy No-Cook Summer Mason Jar Caprese Salad Recipe for Perfect Meal Prep

mason jar caprese salad - featured image

A fresh, no-cook Caprese salad layered in mason jars, perfect for quick meal prep and summer lunches. This recipe combines ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze for a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine size)
  • Fresh basil leaves, whole
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Rinse and halve about 1 cup (150 g) of cherry tomatoes. Set aside.
  2. Drain 1 cup (150 g) of fresh mozzarella balls and pat gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil at the bottom of each 16 oz mason jar.
  4. Add a layer of halved tomatoes, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  5. Add a handful of fresh basil leaves.
  6. Top with mozzarella balls, then add another drizzle of olive oil and a few cracks of black pepper.
  7. Seal the jars tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before eating to allow flavors to meld. Add balsamic glaze just before serving to avoid sogginess.
  8. When ready to eat, drizzle balsamic glaze on top or on your plate after opening. Toss gently if desired.

Notes

Add balsamic glaze just before serving to keep salad layers crisp. Use firm, ripe tomatoes to avoid watery salad. Pat mozzarella and basil dry to prevent sogginess. Leave headspace in jars for shaking or stirring before eating. Optional: sprinkle toasted pine nuts before serving for crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese salad, mason jar salad, no-cook salad, summer salad, meal prep, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze